Time to SWEAT on the Appalachian Trail

Volunteers are being sought to work in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on its Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew (S.W.E.A.T.).

The positions are designed for experienced hikers who are willing to work hard and live in the backcountry. The crew is mobile, carrying all food, tools and camping gear into the heart of the park to focus on the difficult trail problems in the backcountry. Each crew works six days in the field doing repair work, building steps, and clearing the A.T. Food, lodging, equipment and transportation to and from the work site is provided.

âJoining the Appalachian Trail Conservancyâs SWEAT crew is a great opportunity to give back to the Appalachian Trail, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime,â said Andrew Downs, regional director of the conservancy.

Members of the S.W.E.A.T. crew arrive at ATC base camp the day before their crew session begins to meet the crew leaders, prepare for the work trip and check out any gear they need. The next day they hike in, sometimes up to 10 miles. From there the crew reconstructs and maintains some of the most remote sections of the trail, often working at elevations of over 6,000 feet.